A REDDITCH charity is gearing up for a fundraising event, to help support Birmingham Childrens Hospital, Cure Leukaemia and Willows Wildlife Foundation.
The Lucie Southall Leukaemia Fund was set up in 2014 in memory of the Winyates youngster who lost her battle against leukaemia.
The fund was formed by family and friends after the 12-year-old passed away in August 20143.
Since then, the family have been on a fund-raising mission, completing events including auctions, a darts night, a bungee jump and a fishing competition and running the London Marathon twice.
In their latest fundraising task, Lucie’s cousin, David Southall has organised a charity football match, sponsored by Solihull Moors.
He attended a similar match at Aston Villa which was hosted by Sellebrity Soccer.
He said: “It was an amazing day, the atmosphere was great and you could see how much it meant to all of the celebrities and the charity itself.
“Kevin Cooper who owns Sellebrity Soccer has helped countless charities raise money by running year round celebrity matches.
“What he and his company do is nothing short of amazing and he deserves way more recognition than he gets.”
He reached out to Mr Cooper last year, and after a month of organising, secured Solihull Moors FC as a sponsor.
David added: “Our charity, the Lucie Southall Leukaemia Fund raises money for Birmingham Childrens Hospital, Cure Leukaemia as well as Willows Wildlife Foundation as Lucie’s favourite animal was a hedgehog.
“I have visited the hospital, delivering presents in Lucie’s memory to the sick children around Christmas time.
“It gave me a great insight into what the hospital go through and the work required to help the children staying there.
“From that day on, I vowed to support the hospital annually in whatever way possible.
David has raised over £5,000 running the London marathon and hopes to smash that amount with the charity match.
He added: “It is a fantastic day out for everyone, even those who may not be football fans.
“The celebrities interact and make the day wholesome for all those involved, plus we get to raise lots of money for an amazing charity.
“The stadium holds 5,500 people and I could only dream of selling it out which is why I am asking for help and support in any which way possible.”
The match is on Sunday March 24 with a 3pm kick-off.
Tickets are £12 per person, with children under two going free, visit https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/sellebrity_soccer_match to purchase.
